MICHAEL KING: I have been a lighthouse buff for some years now, and read with great sadness about the mindless vandalism done at Cape Meares. Lighthouses are a great link to our past. They tie us to a time when our government and its people still took pride in this country. We funded our infrastructure -- and brave, smart people overflowing with American ingenuity built these ocean sentinels for one purpose: to keep other humans safe.

These buildings speak to the greatness of the human spirit. Whenever I visit one, even if it is one I have seen many times before (Cape Meares), I leave feeling a renewed connection with the diverse history of my country. As the lens that was broken is practically irreplaceable, I have my doubts about restoration from this crime.

I hope with all my heart that it can be fixed, though. Whatever the outcome, this stubby little beacon will forever tower above the vandal that hurt it. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

MICHAEL KING Silverton

"There are two pips in a beaut, four beauts in a lulu, Eight lulus in a doozy, and sixteen doozies in a humdinger.

I hope they hold their feet to the fire and don't let them cop a plea to a lesser charge. I don't know what the potential jail time and/or fines are, but they ought to consider wage garnishments and/or liens.

This is more than just general vandelism with spray paint or a busted pane of regular household glass. As bad enough as those are!